Intrigued by the idea of destroying an apparently isolated Confederate brigade, Thomas orders forward Croxton’s 3rd Division brigade. With 2,279 men on the battle line, it is the largest unreinforced infantry brigade in the Army of the Cumberland. Taking a farm path which they mistake for the Reed’s Bridge Road, they deploy in the woods west of Jay’s Mill in the standard Federal formation, half the brigade in the front line, and half in a second line in support. As they begin to advance, they encounter two regiments from Davidson’s brigade sent to scout the woods in that direction. A volley from the Union rifles sends the (many now riderless) cavalry thundering back to their own lines. The rest of Davidson’s men scramble to their feet and attempt to form a defensive line on the low ridge west of the Mill.